The Bangles

The Bangles were one of the new generation of independent all-women bands that followed The Go-Go’s in the early 1980s. Consisting of Susanna Hoffs (guitar, vocals), Debbi Peterson (drums, vocals), sister Vicki Peterson (guitar, vocals,) and Annette Zilinskas, who was later replaced by Michael Steele, (bass, vocals). The band was formed in Los Angeles in 1981 as The Supersonic Bangs, later shortened to The Bangs. They were forced to change their name to the Bangles when a band from New Jersey, also named the Bangs, threatened to sue. The single ‘Manic Monday’, written by Prince launched their international career. After 3 successful albums (“All Over The Place”, “Different Light” and “Everything”), The Bangles broke up.
Susanna Hoffs released two solo albums in the 90’s (a third album remained unreleased). Vicki Peterson joined the Continental Drifters. Debbie Peterson had a short-lived career with Siobhan Maher as Kindred Spirit, while Michael Steele lived in semi-retirement in California.

The Bangles reconvened in 2000 and recorded a reunion album, released in 2003, on Koch Records called “Doll Revolution”. By lucky coincidence(?) their single ‘Eternal Flame’ had since been covered by, and become a hit record for, Atomic Kitten which helped to rekindle interest in its original artist.

The Bangles are an American all-female pop rock band that originated in the early 1980s, scoring several hit singles during the decade. The band's hits include "Walk Like an Egyptian", Billboard magazine's number 1 single of 1987, as well as "Manic Monday", "Hazy Shade of Winter", and their 1989 number-one single "Eternal Flame".

Originally called The Bangs, they had to change it because another band had that name. They added the last letters because it sounded like "Beatles."
Their first manager was Miles Copeland, who managed The Go-Gos and The Police. He is the brother of Stewart Copeland from The Police.
Michael Steele, despite having a boy's name, is a girl. She was in The Runaways with Joan Jett and Lita Ford.
The band was formed in Santa Barbara, California by Vicki and Debbi Peterson, who are sisters.
All members sing and help write the songs.
Hoffs starred in the movie The Allnighter in 1987.
Hoffs married director Jay Roach in 1993. The Bangles got back together to write a song for Austin Powers 2, The Spy Who Shagged Me, which Roach directed.
Hoffs sang with Randy Newman at the 2001 Oscars. They performed Newman's "A Fool In Love" from the movie Meet The Parents. Hoffs got the gig because her husband directed the movie.

80's Hits

Eternal Flame

Album:

Everything
(1989)

Song Details:

"Eternal Flame" is a ballad and love song byThe Bangles from their 1988 album Everything. It became a hit single, when released in 1989, peaking at number one in the charts in nine countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Lyrics:

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame

I believe its meant to be, darling
I watch you when you are sleeping
You belong with me
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame

Say my name, sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely
And then you come and ease the pain
I dont want to lose this feeling

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Hazy Shade Of Winter

Album:

Less Than Zero (soundtrack)
(1987)

Song Details:

In 1987, The Bangles were approached to record a song for the soundtrack of the film Less Than Zero. They chose to record a cover of "A Hazy Shade of Winter," a song they had been performing since their early days as a band.

Lyrics:

Time, time, time
See what's become of me...

Time, time, time
See what's become of me
While I looked around
For my possibilities
I was so hard to please

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Hear the Salvation Army Band
Down by the riverside
It's bound to be a better ride
Than what you've got planned
Carry a cup in your hand

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Hang onto your hopes my friend
That's an easy thing to say
But if your hopes should pass away
Simply pretend
That you can build them again

Look around
Grass is high
Fields are ripe
It's the springtime of my life

Seasons change with their scenery
Weaving time in a tapestry
Won't you stop and remember me

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground

Lyrics:

I love it in your room at night
You're the only one who gets through to me
In the warm glow of the candlelight
Oh, I wonder what you're gonna do to me
In your room
I come alive when I'm with you
I'll do anything you want me to
In your room

I love it in your room all day
When you're gone I like to try on all your clothes
You won't regret it if you let me stay
I'll teach you everything that a boy should know
In your room
I'm alive when I'm with you
Gonna make your dreams come true
In your room

I feel good in your room
Let's lock the world out
Feels so good when we kiss
Nobody ever made me crazy like this

I love it in your room at night
You're the only one who gets through to me
In the warm glow of the candlelight
Oh, I wonder what you're gonna do to me
I'll do anything you want me to
I only want to be with you
In your room
In your room

I feel good in your room
Let's lock the world out
Feels so good when we kiss
Nobody ever made me crazy like this
In your room
In your room

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Walk Like an Egyptian

Album:

Different Light
(1986)

Song Details:

"Walk Like an Egyptian" was released as the third single from Different Light. It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1986. The song reached a peak of number three on the UK Singles Chart in November 1986 and reached number one in the U.S. on December 20, staying at the top of the Hot 100 for four weeks, carrying it over into January 1987.

Lyrics:

All the old paintings on the tombs
They do the sand dance dont you know
If they move too quick (oh whey oh)
Theyre falling down like a domino

All the bazaar men by the nile
They got the money on a bet
Gold crocodiles (oh whey oh)
They snap their teeth on your cigarette